PDP Makinde Faction Appoints Turaki as National Chairman

IBADAN — The Peoples Democratic Party faction backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally appointed Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as its national chairman. The move comes as the PDP races to meet INEC’s primary election deadline.

The appointment was confirmed at a party meeting on Saturday. Turaki’s faction also released a revised primary timetable. Presidential forms are set at N100 million, comprising N10 million for expression of interest and N90 million for nomination.

Turaki addressed supporters after his appointment. He pledged to lead the party through a credible primary process and deliver a strong opposition candidate for the 2027 presidential election. “We shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party state on Nigeria,” Turaki said.

However, the PDP remains deeply divided. A rival faction, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is running a separate primary process. Wike’s group pegged its presidential form at N51 million. Both factions claim legitimacy.

Court Battle Looms

The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier ruling that voided the Ibadan National Convention that produced Turaki’s initial chairmanship. Consequently, the legal status of the Turaki-led NWC remains uncertain.

PDP chieftain Omenka Thomas warned that the legal battle could derail the party’s primary elections entirely. He said any candidate produced under an invalidated structure risks automatic disqualification.

In addition, up to 66 PDP federal lawmakers have defected to the APC since the 10th National Assembly began in June 2023. The mass departures have weakened the party’s legislative base and reduced its influence in Abuja.

Opposition Under Pressure

Makinde himself addressed the party’s crisis at a weekend meeting. He warned that Nigerian democracy is under threat from a weakening opposition. “When opposition becomes ineffective, democracy itself begins to lose meaning,” Makinde said.

The governor, seen as a key power broker in the Turaki faction, has signalled that he is willing to work with other opposition parties to field a single presidential candidate in 2027. Talks with the ADC and Labour Party are ongoing.

INEC has not yet taken a position on which PDP faction it will recognize for the 2027 elections. The commission says it will follow court directives. A Supreme Court ruling on the Ibadan convention dispute is expected before the end of May.